How to Tell Kids Why They Shouldn't Play With Fire

Over 35,000 fires in America are set by children each year, according to a fact sheet produced by the United States Fire Administration in 2006. In many cases, the child accidentally sets the fire because he is unaware of the inherent danger associated with playing with matches or a lighter. For the safety of your child and family, it's important to begin teaching your child the dangers associated with playing with fire from a very young age. The subject matter might alarm or frighten children, but that is no reason to not stress the importance of respecting and staying away from fire.

Instructions

    • 1

      Sit your child down and ask him to explain how a fire starts and spreads. If he's having trouble, start simply by explaining the various methods used to start a fire, such as matches or a lighter. Allow your child to give his own definition of how he thinks fires are started and spread.

    • 2

      Explain to your child the inherent dangers associated with playing with fire. For instance, explain to him that fire isn't a ̶0;toy̶1; but rather a ̶0;tool̶1; intended to warm houses or use as a heat source during winter. If he's having trouble reconciling this idea, show him images on the Internet or in magazines depicting the damage inflicted by fires.

    • 3

      Explain that even though fires are used for recreational purposes, they're still dangerous. For example, help your child list all the ̶0;fun̶1; ways fire is used, such as a campfire or lighting candles on a birthday cake. KidsHealth urges parents to remind children that even under these controlled, seemingly enjoyable circumstances, fire can easily spread and cause serious damage. Fireworks are another example of a "fun" use of fire that is potentially dangerous.

    • 4

      Create a list of items your child is never allowed to touch, even if he thinks they're fun. Include matches, lighters, fireworks and candles on the list. Also instruct your child that he isn't allowed to use the stove, either. Post the list on the refrigerator and refer to it as needed.

    • 5

      Discover ways to continue educating your child about the dangers of fire. For instance, if there is a wildfire or fire-damaged home featured on the evening news, sit down with your child and talk about his feelings. Reinforce the idea that in many cases, devastating fires that injure people and destroy property are innocently started by curious children.

    • 6

      Teach your child what to do in the event of a fire. Instruct the child that above all, he is to never attempt to put out or touch the fire. Instead, he is to run away from the blaze and find an adult.

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